ISEQ bucks European trend in rise

SHARES in Dublin bucked the trend of European markets yesterday, closing 27.70 points stronger at 4689.49.

In the financial sector Allied Irish Bank surged 22c to 12.52 while Bank of Ireland added 7c to 10.35. Anglo Irish Bank finished the day 10c firmer at 9.90, after reaching a high of 10.04 earlier in the day.

One of the biggest movers of the day was construction stock CRH which advanced 28c, following positive results from US competitor Vulcan Materials, while Grafton Group fell 20c to 5.20.

Kerry Group, who recently announced the acquisitions of Da Vinci Gourmet and Crystals International, lost 5c to 14.90. Elsewhere after news of the resignation of CEO Neil Beck, Datalex gained 1c to 64c.